Boy, 16, and two teens aged 19 killed & 15 injured in horror mass shooting in New Mexico park as cops hunt killer
At least three people are dead and another 15 injured in a devastating mass shooting at a park in New Mexico.
A 16-year-old boy and two men aged 19 were among the victims killed in the shooting in the desert city of Las Cruces.
More than a dozen gunshot victims – aged between 16 and 36 – were rushed to all three local hospitals where they are currently being treated.
Cops have launched a manhunt for those behind the attack, with it not yet clear how many gunmen opened fire on the group of people.
Heartbreaking video shared online appears to show the shooting unfold with the sound of bullets ripping through the air followed by piercing screams as the victims ran for their lives.
As people ducked behind vehicles for safety, one man could be heard screaming “get in my truck” with people falling to the ground in panic.
In the background the revving of engines could be heard as the person filming the video frantically got in their vehicle and fled the immediate area.
The suspect – or suspects – opened fire at around 10pm on Friday in Las Cruces’ Young Park – a music and recreation venue.
Out of the three killed, two died on scene and the third in hospital, officials confirmed.
Police chief Jeremy Story confirmed to reporters at a press conference that there was an unsanctioned car show at the park when shooting broke out.
He said there was an altercation between two groups which escalated with gunfire and injured bystanders in the crossfire.
Investigators are still combing through and processing the “huge crime scene” and casings have been found throughout the park and parking lot.
He noted that they are all from handguns and not rifles.
Fire chief Michael Daniels whose crew were first on scene and rushed in to give aid before the area was secure – something Story said undoubtedly saved lives.
Angel Legaspy, a 20-year-old whose parked car was hit by bullets told The New York Times: “They just started shooting and they just started running around everybody, like all over the place.”
Las Cruces City Councilor said the mass shooting felt like a “nightmare”.
She said: “Part of me wanted to write that this is something you never really think this is going to happen in your city, but that actually feels deeply untrue.
“Honestly now days a tragedy like this feels like a nightmare just waiting to come true at any possible moment, yet also always praying and hoping it never will.”
Cops are urging bystanders to share videos and tips as they continued their investigations.
No arrests have yet been made but the authorities have said they are “actively following multiple leads”.
They said they would not be releasing the details of the victims at this time.
Las Cruces sits on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande River in southern New Mexico, about 41 miles north of the US-Mexican border.
The Las Cruces Police Department said: “Police are continuing to investigate Friday night’s shooting at Young Park that killed three and injured 14 others.
“At this time, police have not made any arrests for this incident but are actively following multiple leads.
“Investigators are asking for video of any part of Friday’s shooting to be uploaded to a secure site: https://bit.ly/4iO5s4U
“Anyone with additional information is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795.”
The cops added they were being assisted in their investigation by New Mexico State Police, the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Mayor Bencomo added: “As with all acts of gun violence in our city and beyond, my heart is broken for the victims and the families impacted.
“This was a heinous act of violence that will leave our city mourning.
“The next few days will be heavy and chaotic but we must focus on supporting those directly impacted and their families.”
She reiterated that misinformation and rumors can be dangerous and told the public to “be thoughtful in what you share or repeat”.
A press conference is scheduled for 11am local time with the scene and surrounding area still closed off to traffic and members of the public.
Mayor Eric Enriquez called the incident “tragic and senseless” before thanking law enforcement for their work on the case.
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